Biography

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The wait is finally over as chart-topping banjo extraordinaire Daniel Grindstaff releases his highly anticipated debut solo album, Heroes and Friends. The star-studded project includes a total of 10 new recordings, bringing together some of the biggest artists of all-time in the Bluegrass, Roots and Country music worlds.

With many years in the music industry performing with greats like the Osborne Brothers, Jim & Jesse McReynolds, Marty Raybon and many more, the release marks a full-circle moment for Grindstaff by bringing a life’s worth of inspiration into one project. Every track from Heroes and Friends was produced and arranged by Grindstaff. The who’s-who list of featured artists include Dolly Parton, Doyle Lawson, Paul Brewster, Jimmy Fortune, Trey Hensley, Jeff Tolbert, Andy Leftwich, Rickey Wasson and Kevin Richardson. From start to finish, the collection flows cohesively, with the East Tennessee native’s electrifying banjo playing throughout. Other notable names providing instrumentation and vocals include Darrin Vincent (Dailey & Vincent), Rhonda Vincent, Shawn Lane (Blue Highway), Kent Blanton, Jesse Brock, Derek Deakins, Stephen Burwell, Josh Swift, John Meador, Jeff Parker, Josh Doss and Mike Rogers.

“Recording this album has been the honor and experience of a lifetime,” says Daniel Grindstaff. “I’ll forever be thankful for the kindness of each artist who joined me in the studio, making my vision for these songs come to life.”

The album has already proven to be a massive success with radio DJs. To date, the project has already notched FOUR No. 1 hits on the Bluegrass Today charts. The singles “Three Arrows,” “Finnland” and “Forever Young” all hit the top spot, with the latter featuring Dolly Parton and Paul Brewster becoming Grindstaff’s very first chart-topper on the Bluegrass Unlimited Monthly Airplay Survey earlier this year. The follow-up “Looking At The World Through A Windshield” featuring Trey Hensley instantly struck a chord with DJs, reaching No. 2, while the Gospel single "Child of the King" reached #1 on the Bluegrass Today Gospel Airplay Chart.

Grindstaff is also excited to announce the next single from the project will be the upbeat recording, “I’ll Still Write Your Name In The Sand.” Written by Buddy Starcher, the song features Country and Gospel Music Hall of Fame Statler Brothers member Jimmy Fortune. Listen close, because the track also includes harmony vocals from siblings Darrin Vincent and Rhonda Vincent. It’s a breakup anthem for the ages, detailing a lost love and all the memories associated.

“It’s a huge honor to have recorded ‘I'll Still Write Your Name in the Sand,’” says Grindstaff. “I had a team of great musicians joining me in the studio, along with three heroes providing vocals: Country Music Hall of Fame member Jimmy Fortune and Grand Ole Opry members Darrin Vincent & Rhonda Vincent. This song represents everything I love about bluegrass music, and I hope that shines through to the listeners.”

The praise for the album has already begun rolling in, with Ballyhoo Magazine saying they believe that "Daniel Grindstaff is building an unimpeachable legacy one song at a time.” Daniel also did a feature interview with Authority Magazine recently, which detailed his story and years in the Bluegrass world, providing ‘Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry’ in the feature. He also traveled to NYC for an upcoming interview on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction.

To learn more about Daniel, check out his official website www.danielgrindstaff.com or follow his journey on Facebook!

Heroes and Friends Track Listing:
1. Finnland (feat. Andy Leftwich)
2. Forever Young (feat. Paul Brewster & Dolly Parton)
3. I’ll Still Write Your Name In The Sand (feat. Jimmy Fortune)
4. Looking At The World Through A Windshield (feat. Trey Hensley)
5. When You’re Smiling
6. Colleen Malone (feat. Rickey Wasson)
7. Jesse James (feat. Doyle Lawson)
8. Child Of The King (feat. Jeff Tolbert)
9. My Last Old Dollar (feat. Kevin Richardson)
10. Three Arrows